♡LOLA'S POV♡

The last week had flown by and before I knew it, my party was upon me. The Berry twins had kept me in the dark as to what was happening at the party and I was apprehensive about what they were planning. Whenever I tried to goad any information out of Brian, he would wink at me and tell me to be patient. It was frustrating but at the same time I was excited because nobody had ever done something like this for me. I had never had a birthday party before and I felt special knowing that this one was all mine. My fondness for the Berry's grew stronger each passing day as they visited Brian and I as often as they could, showering me with gifts and teasing me with clues about my party. I realised that they viewed me as a little sister or someone that needed looking after because eventually Brian backed off with the whole 'jealous boyfriend' thing so he must have sensed that their intentions were innocent.

Living with Brian was everything I had dreamed of and more. Waking up next to his solid frame each morning comforted me and I could honestly say that I had never slept better in my whole life. He was an attentive partner; he was always asking how I was feeling and if I was hungry. We ate all of our mealtimes together and he was an excellent cook, making us a variety of recipes that he had looked up online. I made myself useful by cleaning the house everyday and ensuring Brian was presentable before he went out (he had a bad habit of throwing on random bits of clothing that didn't match so I took on the role of picking out outfits for him). He did his best to keep me occupied by taking me to the beach, going shopping with me or simply sitting on the sofa watching a movie with me. Unfortunately, he had to go to meetings and other things to do with the band quite often, but he always made sure I was safe and occupied before he left. He had said that once I was settled in I would be able to participate in these band meetings if I wanted to. I was very intrigued by that, and wondered if I would be able to help the band in any way.

The one thing that had bothered me over the past week was the whole incident with Papa Gates and Brian. They had both seemed so upset after their 'talk' and yet Brian hadn't mentioned it to me at all. It was kind of eating me up but I didn't want to pressure him to tell me; he would confide in me when he felt ready. I had noticed that he would occasionally tense up, as if remembering something particularly nasty or scary. Or he would take phone calls in private and I could hear him raising his voice but I couldn't make out what he was saying, and then he would return looking upset. It was all very suspicious and slightly weird.

But I'd refused to let that mar the time I'd had with him because this was the happiest I had ever been. And the Berry's and Brian's enthusiasm about this party was infectious and soon I found myself looking forward to it. Finally, the night arrived and I was officially 18 years old!

Brian had treated me like a princess all day, bringing me breakfast in bed, giving me beautiful gifts and smothering me with affection. He bought me a stunning, sexy red dress that I could wear to the party and for that he had got an extremely grateful kiss.

It was half eight at night and the party was starting at nine. It was being held at Brian's house for convenience and also because Brian apparantly had the best outdoor bar out of everyone. Typical. I stood in front of the mirror in our room and stared in awe at my reflection. For once I actually looked sexy, which I wasn't used to. The red dress was classy but at the same time it was subtly revealing. It showed off my tanned, long legs and strappy heels elongated them even more. The front was modest, with only a small dip allowing the barest amount of cleavage. It was the back that made the dress. It dipped ridiculously low, exposing my whole back and if you peered down the back of it, you could easily see my pants. Good thing I made Brian buy me sexy lingerie when we were last out! I twirled and squealed at how good I looked and how much Brian would love it.

I gave my hair one last brush then stepped out of the room, walking delicately in my new heels. I entered the living room nervously where Brian was lounging on the sofa with a glass of whiskey in his hand. When I struck a pose in the doorframe, he looked up and his eyes lit up like beacons. I felt them like sensual caresses as they trailed languidly up and down my figure, finally coming to rest on my expectant face.

"You look radiant," he told me quietly as he stood and placed his drink down, before taking me by the hand. I felt a thrill run down my spine at his lust filled eyes as he pulled me into a heated embrace. When his rough hands slid across the bare skin on my back, I shivered.

He leaned over my shoulder and studied my back, then he pulled back and looked at me, concerned.

"Lola, your scars. They're on show," his brow was furrowed with a barely concealed rage that wasn't aimed at me.

"I know," I lifted my chin and smiled proudly. "I'm not ashamed of them. I'm not going to discard this beautiful dress because of what my Father did to me. I'm done with him ruling my life."

Brian gazed into my eyes and I could feel him peering into my soul. I welcomed his all seeing presence and pulled him back towards me, slipping my hands into his inky hair.

"What did I do to deserve you?" he whispered in wonderment whilst stroking my shoulder. "You're the bravest person I know."

I clutched him tighter and pressed my lips against his warmth.

He breathed out slowly and in a huff of air he gasped, "I wish Jimmy had met you." His voice broke on the last word and my muscles clenched in sadness. Was I about to see him cry?

I moved back and looked at his twisted face. To my surprise, his eyes were dry but wracked with a pain that I could never understand. It was the pain of premature and unfair loss. The pain of having someone you love ripped from you with no warning or explanation. I could see the freshness of it in his brown depths and how much it hurt him each and every day. What could I say in the face of such suffering?

Before I could even hope to console him, the harsh ringing of the doorbell startled us both. I jumped back and smoothed out my dress. Brian gave me a sad smile and stroked a lock of my hair, conveying so much in such a small gesture. I let my former excitement return as I reached out to untuck Brian's top from his jeans. He looked very appealing in a short sleeved black top paired with black jeans. He was dark and dangerous and he was all mine.

We silently joined hands and walked to the door. Brian grinned at me then flung it open, revealing El, Matt, Johnny, Zack and Arin who cheered raucously when they saw me. I laughed with sheer joy when they ran forward and enveloped me in a massive group hug, their limbs and faces all squishing me into the middle.

"Happy Birthday Lola!" everyone screamed in my ear.

When they finally let go of me, I put my hands on my hips and stared Matt down.

"So where's my presents Mr Shadows? Johnny? Zack? Arin? You guys better have bought me something!" I teased them watching their eyes sparkle with mirth.

"Well it's not a physical present but we think you'll like it all the same," Zack told me as he set off round the back garden without another word. My curiosity piqued, I ran after him.

He opened the gate into the garden and I gasped when I saw what was awaiting me. Balloons and streamers were hanging from anything and everything and three huge tables of food were laid out along with a whole bar full of drink. But the thing that got my heart racing and my blood pumping was the small stage set up right in the centre. That could only mean one thing.

"You're going to perform?" my voice was as high pitched as it could get and I was already jumping up and down with pure excitement.

"Surprise!" Brian held out his hands and grinned at me, obviously pleased that he had managed to keep such a good secret from me.

"Oh wow! This is the best birthday ever!" I shouted, still waving my hands like a lunatic and hopping from foot to foot.

"C'mon then! Play something now!" I pleaded them and they didn't need much encouragement to get on that stage and grab their instruments. Brian winked at me as he slung his guitar over his head and I almost passed out from his sexiness. Uh oh, I wasn't sure if I would be able to watch him play in public. I might need to jump on the stage and rip his clothes off so I could claim him as mine.

"Alright, so this is for you Lola. Happy Birthday," Matt spoke into the microphone as he looked intently at me. His words were soft and spoken too intimately for the situation. I looked away from his searching eyes to break the awkwardness that he was creating. What was he doing?

"Seize the day or die regretting the time you've lost.
It's empty and cold without you here.
Too many people to ache over."

Matt sung gently into the mic all the while staring at me. I kept my eyes firmly on Brian who stuck out his tongue then launched into 'Seize the Day.' His fingers flew seamlessly over his guitar, forming the most beautiful sounds. Arin was a bundle of energy behind the drums and Zacky was having a ball with Johnny. They were one unit, working in perfect harmony to make this heavenly song. El and I stood at the front of the stage and swayed from side to side, singing along (well I sang, she didn't know the words) and having the best time. When it came to the solo, it took all of my willpower to not jump on Brian and ravish him there and then. His hands ran up and down the strings skilfully but his eyes didn't leave mine, the tension between us sparking dangerously. Damn, I was having this man tonight. No restrictions, no rules, no restraints. Just us.

The song finished and I clapped frantically before throwing myself into Brian. I couldn't help it, I needed to taste him after that sexy show. I fisted my hands in his shirt and joined my mouth with his, wasting no time in slipping my tongue against his.

I broke away with a gasp and breathed, "That was the sexiest thing I've ever seen."

He cocked his lips in a devilish smile and whispered back, "I'm just getting started, baby."

"WE'VE BROUGHT THE FUCKING PARTY!" a scream rang out from behind me and I turned to see the Berry's leading a rather large group of people into the garden. They all poured in and made themselves at home by grabbing drinks and jumping in the pool. Oh great the pool was in use, I'd better keep an eye on Zack.

Matt and Jason sidled up to El and I and wrapped us in warm hugs.

"Happy Birthday Lola," Jason said as he eyed up El from beside me. I frowned at him until he moved his eyes away from her ample cleavage and back into my face.

"Thanks JB. Thanks for the party as well," I told him gratefully, just as Avenged started up another song and the crowd of people cheered along with it. The seductive riff from 'Scream' hit my ears and I turned my gaze to Brian who was levelling a challenging look in my direction. Was he trying to turn me on? Because it was working.

"So you like it so far?" Matt Berry asked me, gesturing to the stage and the people.

"It's amazing. Honestly, I've never seen anything like it," I enthused to him.

"And has Brian been treating our girl right these past couple of days?" Jason cut in as he gave me a side hug. I giggled and patted him on the head like he was my big brother.

"He's been a perfect gentleman," I said and the both raised their eyebrows at me. "Ok he's been nice enough," I relented and they laughed and highfived me.

I hesitated then said, "Although there's one thing that's been bothering me."

They swarmed me immediently, asking me what was wrong and if they needed to beat somebody up for me. I politely declined that offer and gently removed their overprotective hands.

"I've just been a bit worried about Brian. He had a pretty heavy talk with his Dad and he's been weird ever since. I was wondering if you guys knew anything about that or what it involved?" I gushed out and I saw their facial expressions grow more caged and distant.

"We might," Jason replied mysteriously, his tone dark.

"Well can you tell me?"

"Definitely not. It's Brian's and Brian's business only. Don't get involved," Matt said ominously then they both walked away.

"Enjoy the party Lola," Jason called over his shoulder at me, the warning in his voice clear. He was making it plain that I was not to go digging in Brian's personal life. Was it bad that I was even more curious now? The fact that they had so clearly told me to stay out of it made me want to know everything.

I looked up at Brian as he played for me on the stage and guilt bloomed in my stomach. It was none of my business what was going on in other aspects of his life and I needed to respect that. If he wanted to tell me then he would. After all, he had been nothing but honest with me this whole time and I trusted him wholly. He would never do me wrong.

---

The party was in full swing and everyone was having the time of their lives. I was standing with Matt, Johnny and some of their friends as they played the funniest drinking game. They had to flip coins into an empty cup and if they got it in then everyone else had to take a drink. It was hilarious to see them getting progressively more drunk and out of control. I was sticking to my orange juice for now but I was still having an amazing time. Brian had stayed with me for a while and we had danced for ages but he eventually left me to go and see some friends. I had to admit that it hurt a bit that he would rather be with his friends than me but I knew I had to let him be with other people. I would not be selfish.

"Johnny, you fucking dick! You cheated!" Matt exclaimed when he saw Johnny just toss the coin in. Johnny started ending himself laughing and I bit my lip trying to hold my own laughter. "I'm not fucking drinking Johnny, because you're a fucking cheater."

Johnny stopped laughing and said "Drink this" and then he chucked his cup of beer at Matt. It flew out of the cup and soaked Matt all down his grey T-shirt. I couldn't stop the giggle that erupted from my lips at Matt's stunned expression.

"I bought this new for tonight. Fuck you, Christ," Matt gave Johnny the finger before stripping out of his top. Oh wow. His muscular abdomen and chest were decorated with tattoos and he tensed as he stood up.

"Matt, chill," I soothed him, scared that their inebriated minds might warrant a fight. "I can run up to the bedroom and grab one of Brian's tops for you. I'll get a loose one so it fits you."

I left them and jogged into the house, on my mission for the T-shirt. I ran up the stairs and went into the bedroom. I switched the light on and began rifling through Brian's drawers for a simple top. It didn't take long for me to find a disgusting old top that was big as well. Perfect. I closed the drawer and was about to leave when I noticed the en suite's door was cracked open a bit and the light was on. I padded forward nervously, expecting to find some lost party goers. But what I found was so much worse. So, so much worse.

I opened the door and the sight that met me caused my heart to drop to my feet. My hand flew up to my throat as all of my breath heaved out of me and I was left clawing for air. A strangled cry wrenched out of me and before I knew it, it had turned into a blood curdling scream. I tried desperately to cut it off but horror and pure, unfiltered fear poured out of me in a torrent of screeches.

And then those dead, brown eyes flicked to me.

Notes

Ok so I want as many comments as possible please for this chapter!!!!

Tell me everyone, what has Lola walked in on?!?!?! Tell me all your theories and ideas guys because you never know, you could be right!

Thanks for reading and commenting!!!:):):) Please keep the comments coming!:):):)

L xxx